RIAMCO

Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online

For Participating Institutions

Agnes Gray Dexter papers (16.2.16)

Rhode Island School of Design Archives

Rhode Island School of Design Archives
Fleet Library at RISD
2 College Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-709-5922
Fax: 401-709-5932
email: risdarchives@risd.edu

Scope & content

The Mary Gray Dexter papers contain examples of her classwork completed as a student in the Rhode Island School of Design, Department of Textile Design, 1909-1911. The bulk of the collection is found in a notebook containing color coordinated weaving pattern plates. Each plate, 8.5x7 inches, is signed, dated, numbered, and identifies the type of weaving pattern depicted. There is one folder containing six fabric analysis sheets, 1910-1911. Each sheet is signed, dated, numbered, and contains a detailed analysis of a weaving design. Topics include selvage, warp dressed, texture, filling arrangement, warp and filling yarns required, and heddles per harness. The notebook may contain analysis sheets and both items contain fabric swatches. These records may be class work for the required classes "Analysis and Structure of Fabrics" and "Weave Formation."

The papers contain a 1911 January 29 Providence Sunday Journal (original and photocopy) titled "Textile Training at the School of Design," which includes an image of Dexter punching cards for a Jacquard loom.

The RISD catalogues for 1910-1911 and 1911-1912 contain an image of Dexter's textiles designs.